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Nationwide ALERT!!!
The FDA is warning consumers to discontinue use of thirteen Chinese herbal products containing aristolochic acid because they may present a serious health
hazard to consumers. Aristolochic acid found in certain plants and botanicals is toxic to the kidneys and is a potent carcinogen. This chemical can cause serious
kidney damage and the use of products that contain aristolochic acid has been associated with several occurrences of kidney failure. The use of aristolochic
acid-containing products has also been linked to increased risk of kidney cancer in people who have consumed it.
Blue Light Recalls Treasure of the East brand Chinese
herbal products - October 18, 2001
Reason: Products contain aristolochic acid, a potent carcinogen and
nephrotoxin. This translates into it can cause cancer and put you into kidney failure. This is yet another reason why Chinese herbal medicine should be regulated.
FDA Enforcement Report
Green Kingdom Herbs contaminated - April 4, 2001
Aristolochia Associated Cancer
- NEJM (June 8, 2000)
Editorial - Cancer and Herbs
David Kessler, M.D.
Bestselling books perpetuate the myth that natural products such as herbs and other
"dietary supplements" tend to be safer than conventional medicines. (1) Once relegated
to health food stores, these products now fill pharmacy and supermarket shelves.
So-called natural substances are more popular than ever. Fueled by congressional
passage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, (2) which
deregulated the industry by limiting the role of the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), the popularity of dietary supplements has created a $15-billion-a-year industry.
The FDA does not scrutinize a dietary supplement before it enters the marketplace.
The agency is permitted to restrict a substance if it poses a "significant and
unreasonable risk" under the conditions of use on the label or as commonly consumed.
What is the agency supposed to tell people who may have consumed these herbs? Congress
has put the FDA in the position of being able to act only after the fact and after
substantial harm has already occurred. Congress has shown little interest in protecting
consumers from the hazards of dietary supplements, let alone from the fraudulent claims
that are made, since its members apparently believe that few of these products place
people in real danger. Nor does the public understand how potentially dangerous these
products can be. Examples like that described by Nortier et al. should persuade
Congress to change the law to ensure the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements
before more people are harmed.
FDA to Block Aristolochia
- (June 2, 2000)
The government is preparing to stop the import of a Chinese herb that caused kidney
failure in Britain and Belgium. It has also alerted doctors to be on the lookout for
the herb. The herb family is called Aristolochia, and the kidney-toxic ingredient
is called aristolochic acid. The ingredient also is suspected of causing cancer.
The Food and Drug Administration warned doctors that a list of botanical products is
suspected of containing or being contaminated with aristolochic acid.
Aristolchia Banned After Contamination Fears
- BBC (January 19, 2000)
U.K. government has extended a ban on some traditional Chinese remedies in case they
contain a toxic herb. In 63 samples of herbal medicines, 44% contained chemicals which
could have come from aristolochia.
Google search for FTC and aristolochia
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